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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






2. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






3. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






4. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






5. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






6. A string of chords played in succession.






7. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






8. A Boroque dance with a drone-bass.






9. A symbol indicating to play loud.






10. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






11. The distance in pitch between two notes.






12. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






13. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






14. The movement of chords in succession.






15. The element of music pertaining to time - played as a grouping of notes into accented and unaccented beats.






16. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






17. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






18. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






19. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






20. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






21. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






22. The movement of chords in succession.






23. A repeated phrase.






24. Closing section of a movement.






25. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






26. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






27. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






28. Sliding between two notes.






29. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






30. The distance in pitch between two notes.






31. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






32. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.






33. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






34. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






35. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






36. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






37. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






38. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






39. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






40. Rapid alternation between notes that are a half tone or whole tone apart.






41. The intonation - pitch - and modulation of a composition expressing the meaning - feeling - or attitude of the music.






42. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






43. A short or brief sonata.






44. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






45. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






46. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






47. A composition written for eight instruments.






48. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






49. Suite of Baroque dances.






50. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.